Term 3 Week 2 - Thursday 27th July 2023
Notes from the Principal
This week at Catherine McAuley we were very happy to welcome parents to the school on two occasions, both of which were excellent opportunities for meeting and chatting to you. These also provided opportunities for great dicussions about the things that are happening at the school.
One of these was the Year 10 Subject Selection Evening last night, during which we clarified the process of students choosing subjects for their HSC. It was a very successful evening, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet many of you.
The other event was the Parents and Carers Group meeting on Tuesday evening, which was well supported by 16 parents. This event really does provide an ideal opportunity for us to gather together so that I can update you on what we are doing at school each term, and for us to clarify and discuss aspects of that. We have asked each person who attended on Tuesday to bring a friend next term, and I also encourage you to join us in Week 2 for our next meeting.
The school also enjoyed a school assembly yesterday morning. My address to students, included here for your perusal, was about developing informed opinions so that we can all contribute intelligently to important conversations in classes and in our personal lives.
Mary Refalo
Principal
The Year 10 Subject Selection Evening was held last night.
News from the Assistant Principal
We are only halfway through the academic year but the leadership team is already planning for 2024. Part of this plan is to construct a timetable for over 1200 students and 120+ staff. The first step is to work with the current Year 10 students to support them to put together their academic program for their Preliminary HSC year.
Students were given information from all the Leaders of Learning Curriculum at the end of Term 2 and have been given access to a number of other resources to aid them in their decision. Ms Brincat has done an extraordinary job in this process.
On Wednesday evening the Year 10 students and their parents and carers attended our Subject Selection Evening. The evening began with each Key Learning Area having a display and booth for parents and students to ask questions and assist them in their subject selection. The advice given to the students was to choose courses that they are interested in, have ability in and could contribute towards post school options. The evening was well attended which is a tribute to the very strong support the students are receiving from their parents and the teaching staff.
The Year 10 students were reminded to stay committed to their studies for the rest of the year so that their Record of School Achievement that they will receive at the end of the year recognises their commitment to achieving their best.
Michael Hall
Assistant Principal
From the School Counsellor
Social Skills for Adolescents
Adolescent’s social skills include everything from making eye contact, carrying a conversation, handling a conflict and showing compassion for others.
At school, social skills like accountability and empathy are what equip our teenagers to lead in the community. Having good social skills, enables them to interact with others, overcome their daily challenges, be that in the school grounds or sporting fields or in the home environment.
Just like our core muscles require ongoing care and patience, so do social skills always need to be worked on and worked out. This does not come naturally to a lot of adolescents, in fact one in five in each classroom experience difficulties. It is very crucial to identify some of the main social skills that your daughter may struggle with, so you can provide guidance and support.
Identifying some important social skills may include:
- Listening skills - It is more than simply hearing someone say something, it is about absorbing the information and really understanding what was said. Also ensuring they are making eye contact and repeating things they have heard.
- Following instructions - Being able to follow instructions, which requires lots of practice.
- Sharing (even adults know this) - Sharing makes us feel good. It helps to boost our self-esteem and shows what it is like to be on the receiving end of a positive interaction.
- Cooperation - Cooperation helps build respect and problem-solving skills. When we cooperate, we use both our communication and listening skills.
- Using manners - Good manners are important as they show empathy and understanding.
- Respecting personal space - As parents, you can help your daughter model different situations on how to show respect to personal space.
If you feel that you may require further assistance, contact the school for advice.
Susan Boulattouf
School Counsellor
Pray With Us
News Articles
- Parramatta Women’s Shelter Thanks Catherine McAuley Community
- Fundraising For The Chicken and Egg Program Begins
- WYD Pilgrims Arrive in Paris
- Year 12 Students Step Up Into University
- Welcome to Visiting Students From Japan
- McAuley Students Take Part In Opening Of FIFA Women’s World Cup
- A Moment to Remember - Student Reflections from Performing at the Women's World Cup
This Week on Social Media
Follow Catherine McAuley Westmead on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for regular updates. One of the posts from this week is shown below:
Congratulations to the Year 7 Debating Team for their win in the debating quarter finals on Friday night! What a team!
Need To Know
Upcoming Fortnight
Term 3 Week 3
- Year 12 Trial Examinations
- Years 8, 9 & 10 French Cooking Incursion
- International Chemistry Quiz
- Australian Mathematics Competition
- Hosting students from Doshisya Girls School, Japan
Term 3 Week 4
- Year 12 Trial Examinations
- Year 7 Activity Day
- Australian Brain Bee Challenge NSW State Finals
- Year 10 Reflection Day